Goat Movie Review: Stephen Curry’s Animated Film Lacks Originality

The animated landscape continues to expand with stories featuring animal protagonists. Following films like “Sing,” “The Secret Life of Pets,” and “Zootopia,” a new contender enters the arena with “Goat.” Produced by Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, the film presents a familiar underdog narrative within a sports setting, though critics suggest it lacks originality.

A New Take on the GOAT

“Goat” centers on Will, a young goat voiced by Caleb McLaughlin, who dreams of playing roarball – the film’s version of basketball – for his hometown team, Vineland. The film’s title directly references the acronym GOAT, meaning “Greatest of All Time,” and explores Will’s ambition to achieve that status. This is the first feature film directed by TV animation veteran Tyree Dillihay, based on a screenplay by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley.

Inclusive Competition

The world of roarball, as depicted in “Goat,” distinguishes itself through inclusivity. Unlike other animated worlds, such as “Zootopia,” the sport doesn’t divide competitors based on predator and prey. Notice divisions between “smalls” and “bigs,” but the film emphasizes that any barriers to Will’s participation stem from societal prejudice, not formal rules. Will gains an opportunity to play in the big leagues after a viral moment where he challenges Mane Attraction, a significantly larger star.

Did You Know? The film’s runtime is 1 hour and 40 minutes and is rated PG for some rude humor and brief mild language.

Familiar Tropes and Visual Style

Despite its inclusive premise, “Goat” incorporates elements common in contemporary animated films, including references to internet culture like crypto and memes. The film also features a “never meet your heroes” storyline as Will’s arrival on the team creates tension with Jett Fillmore (voiced by Gabrielle Union), Vineland’s star player. While the voice performances by McLaughlin and Union are highlighted as strong, the supporting characters – a rhinoceros, giraffe (voiced by Curry), ostrich and Komodo dragon – are described as blending into familiar animated ensembles.

Visually, “Goat” aims for vibrancy, blending natural environments with urban settings. The film’s backdrops are described as handcrafted and detailed, with the finale taking place amidst volcanic rocks and lava. However, the film’s aesthetic approach doesn’t reach the innovative heights of 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which combined 3D CGI with traditional hand-drawn animation.

Expert Insight: The reliance on familiar tropes and internet references suggests a strategy to appeal to a broad audience, but also carries the risk of diminishing the film’s overall impact. The emphasis on inclusivity, while commendable, may not be enough to distinguish “Goat” from a crowded field of animated sports films.

What’s Next?

If “Goat” performs well, it could lead to a sequel exploring further adventures of Will and his team. A successful run may also encourage further sports-themed animated features with animal protagonists. Conversely, if the film underperforms, it could signal a need for more originality in the genre. The film’s reception could also influence Curry’s future involvement in film production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who produces “Goat”?

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors produces “Goat.”

What sport does “Goat” center around?

“Goat” centers around a sport called roarball, which is a version of basketball.

Who voices the main character, Will?

Caleb McLaughlin voices the main character, Will.

Does a story about overcoming prejudice and pursuing dreams resonate with audiences, even when presented through familiar narrative structures?